The Rum Shack is a Caribbean bar, canteen and venue on Pollokshaws Road in Glasgow’s Southside. With more than a hundred rums behind the bar and an endearingly rough-hewn, beach hut decor, it does exactly what it says on the tin. There is live music or DJs in the main bar most nights of the week and The Rum Shack’s dancehall venue hosts theatre, bands, comedy, club nights and artisan markets. An outside seating area is very popular when the sun comes out. More than the sum of its parts, The Rum Shack is something of a community hub in the Southside.
The jerk chicken, pork and fish are all served hot from the char grill at The Rum Shack. Other Caribbean classics on offer include curry goat, stew chicken and Trini-style macaroni pie; doubles and tostones, a Dominican-inspired dish of golden plantain and cheese fritters served with coconut rice and peas. Made up of items such as sweet potato crab cakes, haggis balls and jerk salmon, the sharing platters are a popular accompaniment to a couple of glasses of Gosling’s and ginger beer. A keenly priced lunch menu supplements the main menu.
The Rum Shack is on Pollokshaws Road towards the south of Glasgow. There is limited on-street parking. The nearest train stations are Pollokshields West and Queens Park. Local attractions include Queens Park, the Tramway theatre and, a little further away, Hampden Park stadium.